Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meridian, PA (Mar 2023)
- Meridian Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $12,456
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meridian
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Meridian.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Meridian it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,477 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Meridian homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Meridian find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Meridian, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meridian
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,480 |
| 3 years | $-9,485 |
| 5 years | $-7,490 |
| 7 years | $-5,496 |
| 9 years | $-3,501 |
| 11 years | $-1,506 |
| 13 years | $488 |
| 15 years | $2,483 |
| 17 years | $4,478 |
| 19 years | $6,472 |
| 21 years | $8,467 |
| 23 years | $10,462 |
| 25 years | $12,456 |
Top Solar Installers in Meridian
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Meridian
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meridian
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Meridian. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Meridian, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Meridian, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Meridian homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Meridian, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,275 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,986 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,840 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,836 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,975 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,257 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,682 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,249 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Meridian, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Meridian, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meridian?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Meridian?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Meridian, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.